Police called 180 times before boyfriend stabbed

Vicky Moran-Healy.

Published:17:59Thursday 22 December 2011

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A SHEFFIELD woman stabbed her boyfriend in the back with a kitchen knife after a violent alcohol-fuelled relationship that saw police called more than 180 times in response to complaints about the couple.

Vicky Moran-Healy, aged 37, plunged the 19cm blade into Geert Delabie as he sat on his bed at home in Ecclesall Road and left it sticking out of him.

The attack punctured his lung, and he could have died if there had been any more internal wounds, Sheffield Crown Court was told.

Moran-Healy, who started drinking aged eight, was sentenced to a 14-year extended jail term for public protection, including nine years in custody and a licence period of five years. “It’s not possible at this stage to know when the risk may reduce,” said Judge Alan Goldsack QC.

The court heard that the couple were both alcoholics and lived in flats across the landing from each other. They were in an on-off relationship for around three-and-a-half years.

Police had been called more than 180 times, including reports of violence as well as petty complaints.

After an argument on March 15 this year, Mr Delabie locked himself in his bedsit.

Moran-Healy carried on shouting, calling him evil, said Fiona Swain, prosecuting. Concerned, Mr Delabie let her in, went to his bed and sat down and Moran-Healy followed him.

Ms Swain said: “She appeared to have calmed down and they spoke for a couple of minutes.

“He noticed her right hand was behind her back and her tone was becoming more aggressive. She made a sharp motion and he felt an immense pain in the upper left side of his back.”

Geert managed to phone the police and the knife was still in his back when officers arrived.

Moran-Healy blamed the stabbing on one of her family and in an interview shook her head when she was asked if she had stabbed him. She was charged with attempted murder but later admitted wounding with intent.

In a statement, Mr Delabie said he still suffers from flashbacks and rarely leaves the house.

John Boumphrey, defending, said Moran-Healy had also been a victim of domestic abuse at her partner’s hands.